Main Navigation

You are here:

Cholesteryl Ester Storage Disease

National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

ImportantIt is possible that the main title of the report Cholesteryl Ester Storage Disease is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

acid cholesteryl ester hydrolase deficiency, type 2

CESD

cholesterol ester hydrolase deficiency

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Cholesteryl ester storage disease (CESD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by subtotal defect of an enzyme known as lysosomal acid lipase (LIPA or LAL). This enzyme is essential for hydrolysis of triglycerides and cholesteryl esters in lysosomes. CESD is caused by mutations in the lysosomal acid lipase (LIPA) gene. The disorder is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Deficiency of the LIPA enzyme causes lipids storage in tissues and organs of the body potentially causing a variety of symptoms. In the liver the consequences are hepatomegaly due to hepatic steatosis and fibrosis that can lead to micronodular cirrhosis. Some individuals may not be diagnosed with CESD until adulthood.

While mutations causing Wolman disease produce an enzyme with no residual activity or no enzyme at all, CESD-causing mutations encode for LAL which retains some enzyme activity Genetic and biochemical evidence that CESD and Wolman disease are distinguished by residual lysosomal acid lipase activity. CESD belongs to a group of diseases known as lysosomal storage disorders. Lysosomes are particles bound in membranes within cells that break down certain fats and carbohydrates. Defective lysosomal enzymes associated with CESD leads to the accumulation of certain fatty substances (mucolipids) and certain complex carbohydrates (mucopolysaccharides) within the cells of many tissues of the body.

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be downloaded free from the NORD website for registered users. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational therapies (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.